Leviathan: Or, the Matter, Forme and Power of a Common Wealth Ecclesiasticall and Civil

Written by Thomas Hobbes

Narrated by Peter Wickham

Born out of the political turmoil of the English Civil War, Leviathan stands out as one of the most in influential political and philosophical texts of the seventeenth century. It argues for the restoration of the monarchy, in light of the Republic, and calls for a commonwealth ruled by an authoritative, autocratic figure with absolute sovereignty. This would put an end to all controversy, war and fear, and establish peace via social contract.

Over the course of the book Hobbes targets Christianity and contemporary philosophic methods, rejecting the idea of spirits and souls, and arguing for a philosophy to end divisiveness and provide indisputable conclusions. These highly controversial theses led to book burnings in 1666 and Hobbes being dubbed the ‘Monster of Malmsbury’.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Naxos Audiobooks
• Release date: May 17, 2017
• ISBN: 9781781980651

Thomas Hobbes

Thomas Hobbes was an English translator, author, and philosopher. Considered to be one of the founders of modern political philosophy, Hobbes worked as a tutor while he first studied the subject. Witnessing political turmoil throughout his life, including a civil war and the Restoration period, Hobbes began to publish his theories. Because some of his work was perceived to promote atheism, which was illegal in his time, Hobbes gained a reputation of infamy. However, because the young king in power, Charles Ⅱ, had been one of the students Hobbes tutored, he offered Hobbes a pension fund and protected his work, allowing his influence to spread for centuries.

Reviews for Leviathan

[R. Michael Markham · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This audiobooks is helpful to get one through a difficult read, though I believe the audiobooks is a better as an accompaniment to the text. The books give great insight into the American Founding Fathers insight in the development of the Constitution.

Commonwealth is born out of man's desire for peace. One the commonweath is broken, the result is war, and power reverts to the strongest. This insight gives a great understanding the the right to bear arms is the second amendment. Interesting the First and Second Books take a somewhat secular view of Commonwealth, while the Third and Fourth Books are very theological in nature.

In short this book is definitely worth the read, and rightly stands a great classical work.

[Flash · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Why do you have to be so caught up with the Bible man...

[Seth Wilkins · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Above my pay grade. Greater respect for the USA's founding fathers for having understood Hobbes, and for implementing much of his philosophy in the building of our great nation. Great book, but I'll have to read it again.

[Michael Steger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A great reading of a brilliant book, a book everyone should read